The Jets and Austin Howard are working on a new deal and the two sides hope to have something ironed out before the start of free agency on March 11th. Howard could be in line for a deal similar to the one signed by Patriots right tackle Sebastian Vollmer a year ago which would mean something in the range of a four-year contract worth about $17MM that could balloon to $27MM due to various incentives. The Jets could also dip into the coffers to take care of another member of Gang Green. More out of the Meadowlands..
- The Jets are in discussions to bring back unrestricted free agent tight end Jeff Cumberland, team sources tell Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. Cumberland’s playing time was curtailed early last season by Kellen Winslow‘s presence but the organization is bullish on Cumberland’s ability to take the next step in 2014, his fifth season.
- Within the article, Mehta also runs down possible draft day targets for the Jets as the combine approaches. North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron, Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans, and Florida State wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin are among the players highlighted.
- Big changes loom for the Jets as the combine approaches, writes Brian Costello of the New York Post. The Jets currently have about $20MM in cap space and can free up another $25.5MM by saying goodbye to former franchise stars Mark Sanchez, Santonio Holmes, and Antonio Cromartie.